Wednesday, March 25, 2015

World News Briefs -- March 25, 2015 (Evening Edition)



BBC: Islamic State conflict: US orders air strikes in Tikrit

The United States has ordered air strikes against Islamic State militants in the city of Tikrit, US officials say.

The order followed a request for assistance by the authorities in Baghdad, after an Iranian-backed ground offensive in the city stalled.

Until now, Washington has had no involvement in the operation in Tikrit.

The Iraqi ground offensive also resumed on Wednesday targeting IS positions, Reuters reports.

MIDDLE EAST

Saudi Arabia readies for possible intervention in Yemen on Thursday.

Yemen crisis: President Hadi flees as Houthi rebels advance.

Yemen's President flees his house in Aden as rebels advance. Yemeni President flees palace as Houthis advance south. Reports: Yemen's Houthis advance towards Aden.

Yemeni Houthis seize airbase in advance on Aden.

Shiite rebels arrest Yemen’s defense minister.

Saudi Arabia moves heavy arms to border with chaos-stricken Yemen.

Iraqi forces pound Islamic State in Tikrit, resuming offensive.

Report: Hundreds of thousands live under siege in Syria.

Turkish military fires shells in retaliation to stray Syrian rocket that injures 5 at border.

Syrian forces down Turkish drone in Aleppo – military source.

Turkish cartoonists convicted for insulting Erdogan.

Iran reacts to snap nuclear inspections call.

Iran to insist all sanctions lifted in any nuclear deal: foreign minister.

Facing resistance, U.S. pushes to meet deadline for Iran deal.

Netanyahu pledges peace, eyes better US ties.

ASIA

Thai prime minister threatens to 'execute' journalists.

Ghani: Islamic State "terrible threat" to western, central Asia.

Pakistan 'kills 30 militants in air strikes'.

At least seven dead in suicide attack in Kabul.

Taliban says U.S. troop cut delay hurts peace prospects.

Myanmar students and activists charged over protest clashes.

230 suspected jihadis prevented from leaving Australia.

China US inch closer on Asia Fund as deadline approaches.

Vanuatu officials warn of food, water shortages.

Tearful Singaporeans say farewell to Lee Kuan Yew.

AFRICA

Nigeria election: Borders closed. Nigeria tightens security before presidential polls.

Nigeria denies Boko Haram seized 500 children. Official: Boko Haram kidnaps hundreds of Nigerian civilians.

Sanctions threat will not deter counter-attacks: South Sudan president.

Islamic State group claims deadly bombing in Libya. Islamic State militants kill five pro-Tripoli government fighters: Libyan news agency.

UN refugee agency: Cameroon needs help to assist Nigerian refugees who fled Boko Haram.

Remittance cuts a threat to Somalia’s food security.

Cameroon hosts conference on Islamic fundamentalism.

Glimmers of hope in Central Africa Republic but peace elusive.

EUROPE

Investigators hope cockpit voice tape will unravel Airbus crash riddle. Germanwings plane crash: Leaders visit Alps site.

Russian forces kill over 250 militants in North Caucasus in 2014 — interior minister.

Ultra-nationalist Ukrainian militia gears up for more fighting. Ultra-nationalist Ukrainian battalion gears up for more fighting.

Ukraine arrests two top officials at cabinet meeting.

Moody's cuts Ukraine credit rating on negative forecast.

4 killed when bus hit land mine in eastern Ukraine.

Nemtsov memorial on Moscow bridge vandalised.

Greece pledges full list of reforms within the week. Greece fails in bid for early cash release, reforms awaited.

Greeks celebrate independence as EU creditors discuss their fate.

AMERICAS

Bergdahl charged with desertion, could face life in prison. US military: Bergdahl may face life in prison if convicted.

Argentina criticizes Britain for military boost in Falklands.

Afghan President Ghani to address US Congress.

Marches in Argentina on 39th anniversary of military coup.

US soldiers and contractors sexually abused 54 under age Colombian girls and even made their assaults into pornography and will never face charges, report claims.

U.S. ATF had to ditch $600,000 worth of surveillance drones: watchdog.

47% of American households save nothing.

Report: Va. governor received special treatment from Homeland Security.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Guantanamo ex-inmate awaits bail decision in Canada.

Video shows Al Qaeda operating TOW anti-tank missiles in Syria.

FBI adapts to face terrorism threats but still faces challenges, report finds.

U.S. sees ‘more sophistication’ in Islamic State cyber capabilities.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil prices lift on Yemen crisis.

Kraft Foods to merge with Heinz.

Beyond Iran And Pakistan: 7 nuclear wannabes.

Saudis claw back global market share with oil output push.

Slavery taints global supply of seafood.

3 comments:

James said...

Well we know some of what Kerry and the Iranians have been talking about recently. It must be really tough going in Tikrit for this to happen so publicly.

Philip said...

Some one thousand-plus casualties so far, James. And they've taken very little of Tikrit.

James said...

Yeah, I am also hearing that some of the spanking new US trained Iraqi formations broke and ran, again.